The COVID-19 Experience for the Family and Children - A Study of Iranian Immigrant Families in Montreal, Canada - Thesis Abstract

Aug 24, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected children and families, with Iranian immigrant families in Montreal facing social isolation, economic pressures, and challenges accessing public services. These difficulties intensified alongside pre-existing stressors including language barriers, cultural differences, and migration integration. Eight Iranian immigrant parents were interviewed about coping experiences, especially impacts on children and family strategies. Parents reported overwhelming demands balancing home schooling with work and personal stress, while children felt lonely and disconnected, struggling with abrupt changes in routines. The study also highlights resilience through support networks and community resources, emphasizing the need for multilingual access, financial relief, and mental health support from policymakers and service providers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages133

Reading Time5 h 35 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

The Effects of the COVID-19 on Families and Children

Effects of the Pandemic on Children

Probable Outcomes of Stress

Vulnerability of Iranian Immigrants to Stressful Situations

Need for Screening and Healing Programs for Immigrant Children

Healing of Severe Effects of Stress

Nature Exposure and it

The COVID-19 Experience for the Family and Children: A Study of Iranian Immigrant Families in Montreal, Canada Ensiyeh Morakabati A Thesis in The Department of Education Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Child Studies) at Concordia University Montreal, Quebec, Canada April 2023 © Ensiyeh Morakabati, 2023 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY School of Graduate Studies This is to certify that the thesis prepared By: Ensiyeh Morakabati Entitled: The COVID-19 Experience for the Family and Children: A Study of Iranian Immigrant Families in Montreal, Canada and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Child Studies) complies with the regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality. Signed by the final examining committee: Chair ________________________________ NA Examiner ________________________________ H. Petrakos Examiner ________________________________ S. Chang-Kredl Supervisor N. Howe Approved by S. Martin-Chang, Graduate Program Director Dean of Faculty (Pascale Sicotte, Dean) Date April 27, 2023 ABSTRACT The COVID-19 Experience for the Family and Children: A Study of Iranian Immigrant Families in Montreal, Canada Ensiyeh Morakabati The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children and families around the world. Iranian immigrant families in Montreal, Canada, have faced unique challenges related to social isolation, economic pressures, and difficulties accessing public services during this time. These challenges were compounded by pre-existing stressors, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and the integration process in the new country. Eight Iranian immigrant parents (seven mothers and one father) were interviewed regarding their experiences coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, the effects on the children and the strategies families used to cope with the pandemic. Finally, parents were interviewed regarding their perceptions and beliefs regarding exposing children to nature, its opportunities and challenges and one coping strategy. Parents reported feeling overwhelmed by the demands of managing their children's education at home while also trying to work and manage their own stress. Parents also stated that children, in turn, experienced feeling lonely and disconnected from their peers and struggling with the abrupt changes in their daily routines. Despite these challenges, the study also found that this population were resilient and resourceful, relying on their own networks of support and seeking out community resources to cope with the pandemic. Overall, the study highlights the need for policymakers and service providers to understand better the unique needs of immigrant families, including access to resources in multiple languages, addressing financial challenges, and mental health support during the pandemic. Acknowledgements Foremost, I am deeply grateful to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Nina Howe, for her supervision, unwavering constant support, and invaluable guidance throughout my Master ’s program. Her expertise, patience, flexibility, and encouragement helped to complete this research. She was more than my supervisor for her care and concerns towards my life. I am truly grateful and appreciative. I am grateful to thank Dr. Hariclia Petrakos and Dr. Sandra Chang-Kredl for serving on my thesis committee and providing valuable feedback and helpful suggestions. I genuinely appreciate every piece of their gracious advice for my thesis. I would also like to thank Dr. Holly Recchia, and Dr. Diane Pesco, my study coordinator, Nadine Wright, who supported me throughout my Master's admission procedure. Without your help and guidance, this journey would not have been possible. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to my lovely family, my parents, my husband, Moham

FAQs

What challenges did Iranian immigrant families in Montreal face during the COVID-19 pandemic?

They faced social isolation, economic pressures, and difficulty accessing public services. These were compounded by language barriers, cultural differences, and the integration process in Canada.

How did the pandemic affect children according to the parents’ interviews?

Parents reported children felt lonely and disconnected from peers. They also struggled with abrupt changes in daily routines and felt the impact of disrupted structure.

What coping strategies and supports helped families manage the pandemic?

Families relied on their own networks of support and sought out community resources. The findings also point to the importance of policymakers and service providers offering multilingual resources, financial support, and mental health assistance.

Aug 24, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana